Occupation AtlasEditors

O*NET · 27-3041.00

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Also called Acquisitions Editor · Acute Editor · Advertising Editor · Art Editor · Assignment Editor · Book Editor · Business Editor · Communications Editor
44 more

Content Editor · Continuity Editor · Continuity Reader · Development Editor · Dictionary Editor · Digital Editor · Editorial Assistant · Editorial Specialist · Fashion Editor · Features Editor · Food Editor · Greeting Card Editor · Index Editor · Legal Editor · Magazine Editor · Make Up Editor · Manuscript Editor · Manuscript Reader · Market Editor · Medical Editor · Newspaper Copy Editor · Newspaper Editor · Newspaper Managing Editor · Newspaper Photo Editor · Online Content Editor · Opinion Editor · Opinions Page Editor · Photo Editor · Production Editor · Publication Editor · Publications Editor · Publishing Editor · Reviewer · Rewrite Editor · Science Editor · Scientific Publications Editor · Script Editor · Slot Editor · Society Editor · Sports Editor · Story Editor · Story Reader · Technical Editor · Telegraph Editor

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ACE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Human Resources Specialists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ACEArtistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic5.39
  • C Conventional4.68
  • E Enterprising4.13
  • I Investigative2.90
  • S Social2.56
  • R Realistic1.03

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent4%
  • Some College Courses16%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
  • Bachelor's Degree69%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (27%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (35%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
Show the other 23

Tasks

19 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.Importance 4.7
  2. Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.Importance 4.6
  3. Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.Importance 4.6
  4. Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.Importance 4.6
  5. Write text, such as headlines, stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.Importance 4.6
  6. Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.Importance 4.4
  7. Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.Importance 4.3
  8. Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.Importance 4.3
  9. Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.Importance 4.2
  10. Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.Importance 4.2
  11. Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.Importance 4.1
  12. Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.Importance 4.1
Show the other 10
  1. Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.Importance 4.1
  2. Respond to questions from the public.Importance 4.1
  3. Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.Importance 4.0
  4. Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.Importance 3.9
  5. Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.Importance 3.8
  6. Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.Importance 3.6
  7. Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.Importance 3.5
  8. Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.Importance 3.6
  9. Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.Importance 3.4
  10. Arrange for copyright permissions.Importance 3.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Communications and MediaImportance 4.8Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Write a novel
  • English LanguageImportance 4.8Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • DesignImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
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  • AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • GeographyImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.7Level 2.9
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.6
  • Fine ArtsImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.1Level 2.6
  • PsychologyImportance 1.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Written ComprehensionImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
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  • OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.8
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
  • MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting InformationImportance 4.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.8Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Prepare or deliver press releases
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.8Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.7
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.7Level 5.9
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
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  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.8
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.8
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Time Pressure4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.1

Technology

57 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (8)

  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • Hypertext markup language HTMLhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot
  • Content management systems CMS

Hot (15; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Apple macOS
  • Cascading style sheets CSS
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Facebook
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • WordPress
Other tools (34)
  • Adobe Captivate
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe FrameMaker
  • Adobe InCopy
  • After the Deadline
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Apple iWork Keynote
  • AutoCrit Editing Wizard
  • Avid Technology Media Composer
  • CCI NewsGate
  • Drupal
  • Editor Software Stylewriter
  • Elite Minds RightWriter
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • File transfer protocol FTP software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Google Drive
  • Grammarly Editor
  • HP Autonomy TeamSite
  • InScribe
  • LexisNexis
  • LinkedIn
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • myWriterTools
  • Orpheus Technology Pro Writing Aid
  • Polycom RealPresence
  • QuarkXPress
  • Social media sites
  • Style guide databases
  • Twitter
  • Web browser software
  • Web content management system CMS software
  • WhiteSmoke
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.